Taiwan and US discuss agricultural products and forced Labour in Taipei trade talks
- In Reports
- 05:42 PM, May 04, 2024
- Myind Staff
According to a report by the Central News Agency (CNA), Taiwan's government has expressed optimism regarding the possibility of the US opening its market to Taiwanese mangoes and pineapples, along with other agricultural products, during the ongoing trade discussions between the two countries.
John Deng, the head of the Cabinet's Office of Trade Negotiations, disclosed that the issue of forced labor was addressed, with the US urging Taiwan to take effective measures to curb such practices within its supply chains.
During a press conference, John Deng, Taiwan's Minister without Portfolio and head of the Cabinet's Office of Trade Negotiations, conveyed Taiwan's desire for a swift and transparent approval process for exporting pineapples and mangoes to the US market.
Deng outlined that Taiwan also aims to export sausages and other processed meat products to the US. The trade talks between the two countries took place in Taipei from April 29 to May 3.
While addressing the media, Deng mentioned that the US did not provide a specific timeline for the approval process, as reported by CNA. He highlighted the lengthy process it took for Taiwan to gain approval for exporting Taiwanese guava to the US, expressing a desire to avoid a similar delay for pineapples and mangoes.
Deng's remarks came after the conclusion of five-day trade talks between Taiwan and the US, held under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, with a focus on agriculture, labor, and environmental sectors.
The US and Taiwan held talks following an initial agreement signed in June 2023, which covered various aspects including customs, trade facilitation, regulatory practices, anti-corruption, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. During the discussions, the issue of forced labor was addressed, with both sides spending significant time defining and preventing such practices.
Taiwan expressed its willingness to tackle forced labor, although it currently lacks the necessary mechanisms, legal tools, and professionals to effectively combat the issue.
Terry McCartin, Assistant US Trade Representative for China, Mongolia, and Taiwan Affairs, led the US delegation for the talks, as confirmed by the USTR office.
Before the discussions commenced, Yang Jen-ni stated on April 29 that the latest round of negotiations would primarily address labor, environmental protection, and agricultural issues, according to a report by Central News Agency.
Yang emphasized the complexity of these topics due to the differing legal frameworks and regulations in both countries. She highlighted the necessity for face-to-face discussions to better understand and bridge these differences.
She noted that existing laws were deemed "insufficient" and stressed the need for amendments or new legislation, expressing confidence in a consensus on the issue within Taiwan.
Central News Agency Taiwan reported that reporters spotted Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) Director-General Wu Shou-mei at OTN, where she confirmed the preparations made by OTN to welcome the visiting American delegation.
Wu stated that OTN had prepared Taiwan's renowned bubble milk tea along with several Taiwanese specialties, including pineapples, guavas, and passion fruit.
When asked if these agricultural products were selected to expand access to the US market, Yang responded affirmatively, stating that widening market access was indeed her goal, although she did not specify the exact products under focus.
Image source: ANI
Comments